Jonathan Trott Breaks Down England-India Handshake Controversy, Anticipates 'Spicy' Final Test
The fourth Test between India and England at Manchester ended in a tense standoff after a proposed early conclusion of the match by England captain Ben Stokes was declined by the Indian camp. As debates erupted over the sportsmanship and strategy behind the move, former England cricketer Jonathan Trott shared his insights, acknowledging both sides while noting the emotional undercurrent that sets the stage for a thrilling final Test.
The Handshake That Didn’t Happen
During the last drinks break on Day 5, England skipper Ben Stokes reportedly suggested a handshake to end the match in a draw. However, with Ravindra Jadeja batting on 89 and Washington Sundar on 80, both players on the cusp of personal milestones, India chose to continue batting.
This led to visible frustration in the English camp, especially from Stokes, who prioritised team goals over individual records. The moment, while brief, added a new layer of tension to an already closely fought series.
Trott: “Understandable from Both Sides”
Speaking to JioHotstar, Jonathan Trott offered a balanced take on the situation. “I am not sure if it was necessary, but the common practice—certainly here in England—is that if you’re offered the opportunity to finish the game early, it’s usually more about the game situation than personal milestones,” Trott explained.
He continued, “From Ben Stokes’ perspective, no personal milestone comes ahead of the team’s goal. In this case, India’s goal was to secure a draw, and they achieved that. So for England, the expectation was that India would shake hands and walk off with 80 not out—that would normally suffice. But I can also understand the other side.”
A Memorable Partnership
Washington Sundar, promoted to No. 5 for the first time in his Test career, showcased grit and flair as he reached his maiden Test century. With Ravindra Jadeja completing his own ton, the duo stitched together a 200-run partnership that frustrated England and stole the spotlight.
Sundar reached the 90s with a powerful pull shot off Joe Root before completing the hundred with a stylish flick through mid-wicket. Jadeja, meanwhile, also looked in top form as he blazed past three figures, securing India’s strong position.
“For someone like Washington Sundar, who has batted so well, giving up the chance to score a debut hundred is not easy. You never know when another opportunity will come,” Trott noted, adding, “I understand both viewpoints. England are probably a little frustrated, but that’s natural. What this does, though, is set things up nicely for the next Test. It’s going to be spicy, and I’m looking forward to it.”
England’s Bowling Concerns Surface
Trott also commented on England’s inability to finish the job with the ball, a concern as the Ashes looms. Over the course of 142 overs across the final two days, England managed just two wickets—both coming in the opening over of the day.
“England tried everything, didn’t they? They can’t say they didn’t give their best. But for me, the concern lies in the quality,” Trott said. “As an England fan and former player, with the Ashes coming up and this series on the line, it’s worrying.”
He emphasized that even with two opportunities with the new ball, England failed to penetrate India’s defense. “That’s slightly concerning because they had two bites at the new ball when India were under pressure, yet couldn’t capitalise.”
Sundar: A New All-Round Star?
The former cricketer had high praise for Washington Sundar, suggesting India has unearthed a future mainstay. “Looking at India, we’ve discovered another strong left-handed batter and a quality all-rounder in Washington Sundar—just 25-26 years old. He can excel in both disciplines and looks like the heir apparent to Ravindra Jadeja whenever he decides to hang up his boots.”
Trott praised Sundar’s calm approach and adaptability, particularly in pressure situations, noting, “He has batted magnificently, and he seems capable of playing for a long time. This makes India’s selection tricky going forward, but it certainly makes the team a lot stronger.”
Final Thoughts by TheTrendingPeople.com
The Manchester Test may have ended without a handshake, but it left cricket fans with plenty to talk about. Jonathan Trott’s fair assessment acknowledges the clash between sportsmanship and personal ambition—a recurring theme in modern cricket. For England, the inability to wrap up the Indian innings raises serious questions ahead of bigger battles. For India, the emergence of another dependable all-rounder adds to their growing depth.
With the fifth and final Test looming, the emotional tension and tactical curiosity have set the stage for a high-stakes, “spicy” showdown—exactly the kind of climax fans crave.
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